Husson’s Boucher Field getting press box, lights

Husson University’s Boucher Field, which is used by the soccer and lacrosse teams, is currently undergoing an upgrade that will include a press box and lights.

John Boucher, after whom the field is named, led the effort to build the field in 2001.

Artificial FieldTurf was installed in 2007.

He is the primary donor for the upgrade, but Chuck and Betsy Cressy, Randy and Angela Wadleigh and Randy and Carol Grava were also contributors along with an anonymous donor.

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The price tag is believed to be in the $300,000 range.

The press box will be ready for the Sept. 1 women’s soccer game between Husson and Thomas College, and the lights should be unveiled at the end of September, according to Husson athletic director Bob Reasso.

“This is emblematic of the direction of the university and the vision (of administrators like president Robert Clark),” said Husson men’s soccer coach Jeff Gettler. “We’re trying to keep up with the rest of the university.”

Gettler explained that with the expanded academic regimen and new buildings on campus, the athletic department wants to echo the university’s progressive attitude toward growth and development.

“Having lights is a game-changer when it comes to recruiting and marketing,” said Reasso. “Playing under the lights is something every student-athlete wants to do.”

Gettler said it will also mean less class time missed by the student-athletes because they will eventually be able to practice and play at night.

Reasso, Gettler and women’s head coach Keith Bosley said they were indebted to Boucher and the other donors for making this possible.

The primary beneficiaries of the improvements will not only be the soccer and lacrosse teams but Reasso said they will keep the lights on at night so the students can utilize the facility, also.

“I will be great for our students,” said Reasso who, along with Gettler, feels it will give a significant boost to their intramural programs.

Reasso will be soccer assistant

Reasso will be returning to the coaching sidelines.

In addition to his duties as the athletic director, he will help Gettler with the men’s soccer program.

“I missed coaching. I missed teaching,” said Reasso, who guided Rutgers University to a 351-183-71 record and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances in 29 years. “Jeff and I had coached against each other and we always talked about working together.”

Gettler, who will be in his second season at Husson, compiled a 231-224-67 record between Massachusetts, Lafayette and Richmond and also coached at Bates College in Lewiston.

“This is going to be such a plus for the program and the student-athletes,” said Gettler. “When does a student-athlete have the opportunity to play for two head coaches with 56 years of Division I experience?”

Reasso and Gettler also said Bob Barry has been added to the men’s soccer staff. Barry had assisted Gettler at UMass and Richmond and won five state high school soccer championships in Hawaii as the head coach at Iolani School. He was a five-time high school coach of the year.

He was also the head men’s soccer coach at Division II Chaminade (Hawaii) and Brigham Young University-Hawaii and Division III Willamette University (Ore.).